Jean M. Mahaffey

JEAN MARIE MAHAFFEY, 85 of Paxton, NE, passed away Wednesday, March 25, 2015 at Paxton, NE.
Jean was born the eighth of eleven children to Thomas and Ruth (Short) Markussen on September 20, 1929 in Arthur County.
Jean was baptized at Duck Lake in Arthur County, and was a member of the Arthur Baptist church. She attended school in Arthur County until transferring to Ogallala in her senior year.
On March 1, 1947, she married the love of her life, and best friend, Jack Mahaffey. To this union three children were born. They made their home in Arthur County where they ranched. Jean would often help out in the hay fields. At other times, feed a small army of hired men during hay season. She was an extraordinary cook, and her meals always greatly anticipated.
In 1965, the family moved to Paxton. Jean attended cosmetology school and was a beautician in North Platte for several years. She also delivered mail along the 70 mile, Star Route, which ran north of Paxton through the Sandhills - a place she loved, and would always consider home. She was known as Nana to her grandkids, and many others, She was the epitome of a lady; style, class, and beauty, but also knew how to lock in the hubs when needed and check a trap-line.
Jean liked country music and dancing. When Jack and Jean danced it was magical, the two were in-sync as one. She was an avid rodeo fan, attending many of the National Finals. Fond of the outdoors, her lawn and flower beds were always immaculate.
In more recent years, Jean enjoyed reading, completing word jumbles in the newspapers, and playing blitz with her friends. She was a passionate fan of the Nebraska Cornhuskers, Denver Broncos, and New York Yankees. Rest assured that if one of her teams did not win, the sole blame would lie with the referees and/or umpires.
Preceding her in death was her husband Jack, a son Zane, two sisters, and seven brothers.
Survivors include her children Penny (Tom) McFadden of Sutherland, and JoNelle (Pete) Locke of Omaha; four grandchildren, Nikki Nelson of Omaha, Mindee (Brandon) Vorthmann of Treynor, IA, Derek (Lisa) Vanwyngarden of Omaha, and Cade McFadden of Lincoln; six great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; one sister, June (Bill) Southard of Rapid City, SD; one brother, Jack (Delores) Markussen of Berthoud, CO; two sisters-in-law, Norma Markussen of Ogallala and Evelyn Markussen of Des Moines, IA; one brother-in-law, Vern Koenig of Las Vegas, NV; numerous nieces and nephews; and many friends.
Memorials are suggested to the Paxton Library in her memory. Condolences may be shared at prairiehillsfuneralhome.com, where the service will also be streamed live for those unable to attend.
Services will be held on Wednesday, April 1, 2015 at 10:00 AM at Prairie Hills Funeral Home with Father Bryan Ernest officiating. Inurnment will be in the Paxton Cemetery.
Memorial book signing will be on Tuesday from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Prairie Hills Funeral Home.
Prairie Hills Funeral Home of Ogallala is in charge of arrangements.